So, yesterday was just an overall tough day for me.
I had a student overdose on acetaminophen (~25 500 mg tablets taken) in school and on purpose. Revealed to me about a student in my office that visited me and appeared off - VS normal, but fatigued and very much subdued for the student's typical presentation. I had called Mom because something was off, waiting to hear back. Student's friends come in asking to talk to student - this is when one of the friends started crying and told me they came after seeing what their friend did.
Student stable. Called parent and poison control. Parent close, poison control was like you can wait for parent to transport if that is what parent wants. Principal and counselor brought in after being notified by me. Parent became delayed, ok with my calling an ambulance to transport and meet at hospital - I went with student. Student stable whole time.
Physically student is doing well. Emergency psych in of course on 48 hour hold right now.
I've been a school nurse for 7 years, but hadn't quite seen this as first hand before. I was a mess yesterday (held it together and when I got in my car the emotions hit like a ton of bricks of course) and I'm still shakey today. Not enough to not be professional, but I know I'm affected. This student is very known to me as is the family. There will be more debriefing to come as there are huge take-aways to be gained from this incident. I know I am lucky to have that at my school.
I have a fellow nurse colleague (who covered for me when I went to the hospital) who is supportive and fellow teachers that are as well. But I guess I'm coming back to my nurse's station as well. I know there are other nurses here who have likely seen this. Any additional tips for self care?
I am so sorry you are experiencing this. My first year (within the first 2 months) a had a similar incident. Luckily they did not experience any lifelong consequences from this attempt.
I know it is difficult but you can take solace in the fact that you were there to help your student during this trying time.
Job well done and yes, take the time to work this out, because chances are , it will happen again. Do you have a relationship with your EMS? They may have some resources.
I think in the case of an overdose, student should be transported first by ambulance, parents contacted second.
Overdoses are emergencies and you cannot assess for liver failure in the school clinic.
This is true. Part of why I also contacted poison control. But I will say EMS didn’t provide any supportive care (not even an IV) and asked me if I had parent okay prior to transport, which was interesting. Cops on scene always for any overdose in my area (opioid crisis is huge here unfortunately) and they asked the same thing. Was planning on following up with them both for more info.
But in the future I may go 911 and if parent arrives at same time, they can refuse if option.
Student is physically okay - given charcoal then additional bloodwork. Eventually given antidote. This far, liver tests are good. Emotionally okay is a journey that is just beginning.
NurseMom1972, RN
31 Posts
I am so sorry you are experiencing this. My first year (within the first 2 months) a had a similar incident. Luckily they did not experience any lifelong consequences from this attempt.
I know it is difficult but you can take solace in the fact that you were there to help your student during this trying time.